Category Archives: Neighborhood

Pests

Posted on September 3, 2018 by sputterpub

My neighbor thought that she was getting bites from fleas, although she doesn’t own a pet. When I got bit my research led to mites from rats beneath the house, who must sublet from all the skunks and possums I … Continue reading →

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Mattress Season

Posted on August 28, 2018 by sputterpub

Mattress season now: university students jettison bad beds.

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Birdbath

Posted on August 20, 2018 by sputterpub

Creek seepage to street: a year-round lagoon for a sleek murder of crows.

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Step Aside

Posted on July 3, 2018 by sputterpub

My daughter told me women step aside. Confronted by opposing walkers, men don’t detour or deflect, like it’s implied they’re Masters of the Sidewalk. I said, “When and where’s this happening? Just who contends behavior never known of me and … Continue reading →

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Jacaranda (An Etude)

Posted on July 2, 2018 by sputterpub

The legend of the Jacaranda tree was told to me one Saturday in June. I loved committing it to memory; by 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, I knew the tale as if it were my own. I swallowed Amazon mythology, … Continue reading →

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Macro v Micro

Posted on June 14, 2018 by sputterpub

The nation is imperilled by the dumb reactions of an unschooled populace. The climate changes while the best are numb and most are trending down to ignorance. A hundred species each year disappear as troubles co-evolve and companies seek profit … Continue reading →

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Outside Cat

Posted on May 29, 2018 by sputterpub

Your kitty is a house cat – not a beast of prey. And though I’ve seen her kill a bird, her instincts are dim echoes we’ve decreased with centuries of breeding. It’s absurd to think she wants a veldt or … Continue reading →

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Bus Stop

Posted on March 13, 2018 by sputterpub

Arriving at the bus stop yesterday, my app displayed the disappointing news: a dozen minutes late! (That’s half the way I’d planned to ride.) And so I got to choose a standing wait with phone and book, or stroll with … Continue reading →

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Neighborhood Shops

Posted on October 25, 2017 by sputterpub

Overheard in the Elmwood area of Berkeley, one October afternoon, as Del’s path crossed that of a middle-aged couple: He (looking at the “Available” sign where Jeremy’s used to be): “Another one gone.” She (with a glance at the storefront … Continue reading →

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Pop Beads

Posted on October 16, 2017 by sputterpub

Delightful weather summoned me outside again, though I’d acquired what I’d need for now, tonight, tomorrow. I could bide within, but sun and wafting breeze decreed that I inhale the local air and tread upon the cracked concrete. I thought … Continue reading →

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